Shelsey Walsh
Shelsey Walsh is a charming hillclimb course set in the Worcestershire countryside. It's the World's oldest motor-sport venue, still using it's original course. Gates were opened in 1905; evolving from being a reliability test to a more of a speed test.
An early competitor at Shelsey Walsh was Count Zbrowski, if the name isn't enough, his stead was none other than the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A 23 litre Maybach aero-engine provided adequate power. Other famous Brits to compete include Moss (see other article), Campbell and the rather superbly named Basil Davenport...tally ho.
A quiet weekday gave us ample time to wander 'round and take in the atmosphere of the legendary venue. As you can see from the photo above, it was very tempting to set off uphill but we thought better of it.
More information and event list:
https://www.shelsleywalsh.com
The Morgan Motor Company
On arriving at the Morgan factory, the demographic was distinctly grey. Did these visitors know founder, Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan personally? Why is that as soon as Brits stop paying National Insurance, start wearing slacks, the love of Morgan cars comes to the fore.
Ash is used to strengthen frames to this day. Malvern Link seriously isn't Wolfsburg and Malvern is no Detroit. The factory itself is reminiscent of WW2 hangars which is very quaint indeed. Morgan is now owned by an Italian Venture Capital company, how 21st century.
There's a selection of classically styled "1930s" Morgans and 3 Wheelers on display. Visitors are more likely to buy a 3 wheeler bike than a Morgan 3 Wheeler surely? I'd loved to have seen an Aeromax in the flesh.
More important than the factory itself has to be the denture friendly cafe for the coach trips. Definitely afternoon tea rather than Red Bull. The Italians will have to avoid thick crusts. The shop is chock full of picnic hampers and tartan rugs; contactless payments are available but dismissed as witchcraft. What a fabulous day and how very British.
Find them here:
https://www.morgan-motor.co.uk
The Malvern Hills
The beautiful Malvern Hills is the backdrop to The Morgan Motor Company. I wanted accommodation that had plenty of safe off-road parking so Morgan Motors pointed me towards the elegant and award winning Treherne House B&B, about a mile from the centre of Great Malvern. They look after a lot of Morgan owners due to their extensive private gravelled drive, apparently parking is a premium at hotels in this area so this was a pleasant surprise. They also have a Self-Catering Cottage converted from an old Coach House but I fancied the main house on this occasion.
I splashed out on a Superior King Ensuite room. It's at the top end of most budgets but it was a lovely experience. The spacious room overlooked the landscaped gardens and it was quiet and tastefully decorated. The breakfast was excellent, they've won awards for the quality!
More details can be found at:
www.trehernehouse.co.uk